HOUSTON, TX – A night of brazen robberies targeting Houston-area businesses culminated in a hefty federal sentence for 32-year-old Deonta Rashawn Brown. Brown was sentenced this week for his role in the armed robbery of a Waffle House on Wilson Road, part of a spree law enforcement believe involved three separate heists in a single night.
According to court documents, Brown pleaded guilty on March 7th to aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery, as well as aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks didn’t mince words, handing down a 162-month (13.5 years) prison sentence, immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Brown is also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the crime.
The October 24, 2019 robbery unfolded at the Waffle House in the 1200 block of Wilson Road. Brown acted in concert with Fabian Bradley, 22, who allegedly brandished a pistol during the hold-up. The pair made off with an employee’s mobile phone and a small amount of cash. But this wasn’t an isolated incident. Investigators believe Brown and Bradley were responsible for two additional robberies that same evening – another Waffle House location and a gas station convenience store.
The timeframe of the crimes suggests a calculated operation. Beginning at 10:57 p.m. and stretching past midnight, the robberies were strategically located in low-traffic areas or near Interstate 69, providing the duo with a clear escape route. Authorities say the coordinated nature of the attacks points to premeditation. Bradley previously pleaded guilty and received a 168-month sentence, followed by five years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, working in conjunction with the Humble and Houston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Ganz and Joseph Porto successfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and lengthy sentence. The court specifically acknowledged the traumatic impact Brown’s actions had on the victims during sentencing.
Brown remains in custody and will be transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility in the coming weeks. While this conviction closes one chapter, it serves as a stark reminder of the violence that continues to plague the streets of Houston and the federal government’s commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and other federal crimes in the region.
RELATED: Waffle House Bandit Sentenced to 13 Years for Armed Robbery
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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